A MAN grabbed a female staff member in Costa Coffee and scratched her after he was asked to leave the Glasgow store.

Richard Martin made his way into the George House shop, at George Square, whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The 37-year-old was immediately recognised by employees and became aggressive when he was asked to leave at 8.10pm on October 5, 2019.

At Glasgow Sheriff Court, prosecutor Victoria Keel said: “He picked up products from the shelves and threw them about the shop whilst shouting ‘I’ll f*****g take on the lot of yous’.

“Three employees tried to get the accused out of the premises. At this time, he assaulted one of them by grabbing her around the neck and scratching her.

“The accused was then put out by the staff, and they locked themselves in. They contacted police.”

When officers attended, they spoke with the employees who were described as “visibly distressed”.

Meanwhile, Martin, of Ruchill, was traced outside the shop lying on the ground. He was placed under arrest but not cautioned and charged due to his demeanour.

He appeared in court for sentencing after previously pleading guilty to behaving in a threatening and abusive manner and assault.

Martin’s lawyer explained that alcohol has been an issue throughout his client’s life.

The defence solicitor said: “The alcohol court has been spoken about before, but he feels his alcohol is under control at the moment.

“He has a certain level he can function at. When he goes beyond it, that’s when difficulties start to arise.

“He has been attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and has been doing volunteering work with a soup kitchen.

“He has his own address where he stays with his partner. Things are a bit more stable for him now. He is aware all of the options, including custody, are open.”

Sheriff Valerie Mays addressed Martin and said: “Keep doing what you’re doing, keep volunteering and going to Alcoholics Anonymous.

"I’ll place you on a structured deferred sentence and we’ll have a review in three months’ time.”